Handbag with detachable cover

ABSTRACT

A handbag comprising a bag body with a hollow interior having a detachable reversible cover. In embodiments, the cover is releasably attached to the handbag via a magnetic fastening mechanism comprising a swivel bar assembly to allow for reversibility of the cover. In embodiments, the handbag comprises additional features such as foot elements and closure mechanism.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

SUMMARY

A handbag comprising a bag body with a hollow interior having a detachable reversible cover. In embodiments, the cover is releasably attached to the handbag via a magnetic fastening mechanism comprising a swivel bar assembly to allow for reversibility of the cover. In embodiments, the handbag comprises additional features such as foot elements and closure mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding things.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handbag embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a top view of an embodiment of a detachable cover.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the cover.

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the cover.

FIG. 3 is a detail view of a frame and swivel bars.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of a swivel bar connection to an anchor.

FIG. 5 is a top detail view of a frame and swivel bars.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of a handbag with cover partially engaged.

FIG. 7 is perspective view of a handbag with cover partially engaged.

FIG. 8A is a side elevation view of a handbag embodiment.

FIG. 8B is a front elevation view of the handbag.

FIG. 8C is a bottom view of the handbag.

FIG. 9A is a top view of an embodiment of a detachable cover.

FIG. 9B is a side view of the cover.

FIG. 9C is a bottom view of the cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Throughout FIGS. 1-10 like elements of the invention are referred to by the same reference numerals for consistency purposes.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a handbag 10 having a bag body comprising opposed side panels 12 a and 12 b, and bottom panel 14. At least the top edges of the side panels 12 a and 12 b are connected to a frame 40. The embodiment shown also has optional closure mechanism 16 to secure the handbag closed, and optional carrying handle 18. While closure mechanism 16 is shown in the embodiment as a clasp, it should be appreciated that any closure mechanism known in the art can be used. Similarly, carrying handle 18 can be any carrying handle, chain or strap as known in the art, and any number of handles 18 can be used. In embodiments, the handle 18 is comprises a swivel attachment that allows the handle 18 to fold into the interior of the handbag 10. In those embodiments, the handle 18 can alternatively be in an upright position for use, or a hidden position in which the handle 18 is fully concealed within the handbag 10. In embodiments, the handle 18 is detachable from the handbag 10. In those embodiments, the detachable handle 18 can be interchanged with multiple handle styles, providing versatility to the user. In embodiments, the handle 18 and/or closure mechanism 16 comprises lucite, metal, or a polymer material. In other embodiments, closure mechanism 16 and/or carrying handle 18 are omitted completely.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a reversible detachable cover 20. FIG. 2A shows a top view, FIG. 2B shows a side view, and FIG. 2C shows a bottom view of the cover 20. When engaged with the handbag 10, the cover 20 is configured to wrap around and thereby cover the side and bottom panels 12 a, 12 b, 14 of the handbag 10. In the embodiment shown, the cover 20 is generally rectangular in shape to correspond to the shape of the handbag 10. However, it should be understood that the size and shape of both the handbag 10 and the corresponding cover 20 can vary.

The cover 20 comprises a body 22 and outer edges 26 a and 26 b. The cover body is generally flexible, planar and has opposed surfaces 24 a and 24 b. In the views shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, 24 a is the top surface, and 24 b is the bottom surface of the cover 20. As shown in the embodiment, surfaces 24 a and 24 b can have different decorative patterns or materials.

In embodiments, the handbag materials comprise one or more of animal leather; synthetic leather such as polyurethane or vinyl; textiles; fabrics; animal textiles such as wool, silk, hair, fur, skin; plant textiles such as cotton, linen acetates, velvets, taffeta; synthetic fabric such as polyester, acrylic, nylon, ultrasuede, and alcantara. In embodiments, the handbag has metal hardware of brass plated with gold, gunmetal, or silver finishes.

The cover 20 has swivel bars 30 a, 30 b disposed at the outer edges 26 a and 26 b of the cover. The swivel bars 30 a, 30 b are configured to align with respective opposite sides of the handbag frame 40 when engaged.

FIG. 3 shows a detail view of embodiments of the frame 40 and swivel bar 30 elements in proper alignment for engagement. In the embodiment shown, the frame 40 comprises two structural members 46 a and 46 b connected via a hinge 44. When hinge 44 opens, the interior of the handbag 10 can be accessed.

In embodiments, each swivel bar 30 is connected to anchors 34 placed at each end of the swivel bar 30. The anchors 34 are affixed to the outer edges 26 a, 26 b of the cover body 22. The swivel bar 30 is configured such that it can be rotated about its axis between the anchors 34. FIG. 4 shows a detail view of an embodiment of the swivel bar 30 connected to anchor 34 via a pin 36. The pin connection allows the swivel bar 30 to freely rotate about the pin 36 axis.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each swivel bar 30 a and 30 b comprises a row of magnets 32. The frame 40 comprises corresponding frame magnets 42 on each member 46 a and 46 b. As indicated in FIG. 3, the polarities of the swivel bar magnets 32 are configured to correspond with the opposite polarities of the frame magnets 42 such that when aligned in contact, the swivel bars 30 a and 30 b are releasably attached to the frame members 46 a and 46 b, respectively, due to the attraction of the magnets 32 and 42.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention, showing the general alignment and polarities of the magnets 32 and 34 of the swivel bars 30 and frame members 46 a, 46 b. The embodiment shown has five magnets 32 on each swivel bar 30, and four magnets 42 on each frame member 46 a, 46 b. However, it should be appreciated that within the scope of the invention any number of magnets can be used. Additionally, in embodiments, the size and/or shape of the magnets can vary. For example, in embodiments, a single long magnet is used on the swivel bar and/or in the frame members. In embodiments, the number, size, and shape of the swivel bar magnets 32 need not be identical to that of the frame member magnets 42. They should simply correspond sufficiently to align and releasably attach the cover 20 to the handbag frame 40. Additionally, the individual magnets are fully shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 for clarity. However, in embodiments, the magnets can be partially or fully embedded within the swivel bars and/or frame members such that they are at least partially hidden from view.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a handbag 10 with the cover 20 partially engaged. In the figure, swivel bar 30 a is engaged with frame member 46 a such that one side of the cover 20 is releasably attached to the handbag 10. The surface 24 a of the cover 20 is aligned to be in contact with the bag body, shown concealing side panel 12 a and bottom panel 14. When swivel bar 30 b is engaged with frame member 46 b, the cover 20 will substantially or completely conceal the entire bag body, and the surface 24 b of the cover will be exposed while the surface 24 a will be in contact with the bag body and hidden from view.

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of the handbag 10 from FIG. 6 with the cover 20 partially engaged, but where the cover 20 has been reversed. That is, the cover surface 24 b is facing the bag body such that when swivel bar 30 b engages with frame member 46 b the surface 24 b will be in contact with the bag body and hidden from view while the surface 24 a will be exposed.

In embodiments, in order to provide for complete reversibility of the cover 20, the swivel bars 30 a and 30 b may require rotation by approximately 180 degrees in order to properly engage with the frame members 46 a and 46 b. It should be noted that in embodiments, the cover 20 is both reversible- the cover can be engaged such that either surface 24 a or 24 b can be exposed- and rotatable. That is, either swivel bar 30 is capable of engaging with either frame member 46. For example, swivel bar 30 a can engage with either frame member 46 a or member 46 b, and the same applies to swivel bar 30 b. This provides the user with greater convenience and functionality of the handbag and cover configurations.

The reversibility feature of the cover 20 allows a user to choose from three separate configurations of the handbag: first, the handbag can be used alone without the cover; second, the cover can be engaged with the first surface exposed; and third, the cover can be engaged with the second surface exposed. This allows for a great deal of versatility and adaptability according to the user's needs and preferences.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show an embodiment of a handbag 100 that further comprises feet 50. FIG. 8A is a side elevation view, and FIG. 8B is a front elevation view of the handbag 100. FIG. 8C shows a bottom view of the handbag 100, showing the feet 50 on the bottom panel 140. In some embodiments, feet 50 may be desirable to protect or increase the durability of the handbag, or as a design element. The embodiment shown includes four feet 50, but the number, size, and shape of any feet can vary while remaining within the intended scope of the invention.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show an embodiment of a cover 200 to correspond with the handbag 100 embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. FIG. 9A shows a top view, FIG. 9B shows a side view, and FIG. 9C shows a bottom view of the cover 200. Notably, the portion of the cover body 220 that corresponds to the bottom panel 140 of the handbag 100 when the cover 200 is engaged contains apertures 52 that correspond to the feet 50. Specifically, the apertures 52 are configured such that, when the cover 200 is engaged, the feet 50 fit through the apertures 52. In embodiments, the feet 50 are sufficiently tall in height that they protrude through the apertures 52.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, the apertures 52 in the cover 200 are surrounded by reinforcements 54. In the embodiment shows, the reinforcements 54 are shown as rectangular grommets surrounding the apertures. However, it should be appreciated that reinforcements 54 can be of any appropriate size or shape. In such embodiments, reinforcements 54 can function to decrease stress on the apertures 52 and may increase the durability of the cover 200. The reinforcements 54 can further ensure a tight fit, alignment, and security of the feet 50 within the apertures 52. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A handbag comprising: a bag body comprising opposed first and second side panels, a bottom panel, and a hollow interior; the side panels each having a top edge; a detachable cover comprising a cover body and opposed first and second outer edges; the cover body having a first surface and an opposed second surface; a first fastening mechanism configured to releasably attach a top edge of the first side panel to the first outer edge of the cover; and a second fastening mechanism configured to releasably attach a top edge of the second side panel to the second outer edge of the cover.
 2. The handbag of claim 1 wherein the fastening mechanisms comprise magnets.
 3. The handbag of claim 1 wherein the detachable cover is reversible such that in a first configuration the first surface is exposed while the second surface is in contact with the bag body, and in a second configuration the second surface is exposed while the first surface is in contact with the bag body.
 4. The handbag of claim 1 further comprising one or more foot elements protruding from the bottom panel of the bag body.
 5. The handbag of claim 4 wherein the detachable cover comprises one or more apertures in the cover body corresponding to the foot elements such that when the cover is attached to the bag body the foot elements align with and protrude through the apertures.
 6. The handbag of claim 1 further comprising a handle that is detachable from the bag body. A handbag comprising: a bag body comprising opposed first and second side panels, a bottom panel, and a hollow interior; the side panels each having a top edge; each top edge adjacent to one or more magnetic portions; and a detachable cover comprising a cover body and opposed outer edges; each outer edge attached to a swivel bar assembly; each swivel bar assembly comprising one or more magnets; the cover body having a first surface and an opposed second surface; the magnets configured to engage with the magnetic portions of the bag body such that when engaged, the cover releasably attaches to the bag body, at least substantially covering the bag body and exposing one surface of the cover body.
 8. The handbag of claim 7 wherein the detachable cover is reversible such that in a first configuration the first surface is exposed while the second surface is in contact with the bag body, and in a second configuration the second surface is exposed while the first surface is in contact with the bag body.
 9. The handbag of claim 7 further comprising one or more foot elements protruding from the bottom panel of the bag body.
 10. The handbag of claim 7, further comprising a closure mechanism.
 11. The handbag of claim 10 wherein the closure mechanism is a clasp.
 12. A reversible cover for use with a handbag, comprising: a cover body and opposed outer edges; each outer edge attached to a swivel bar assembly; each swivel bar assembly comprising one or more magnets; the cover body having a first surface and an opposed second surface; the magnets configured to engage with the handbag such that when engaged, the cover releasably attaches to the handbag. 